Štokavian is a dialect of the Serbo-Croatian language, primarily spoken in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It serves as the basis for the standard forms of these countries' languages. The name "Štokavian" comes from the word "što," meaning "what," which is a key feature of this dialect. This dialect is significant because it encompasses various regional variations, including Ekavian and Ijekavian. These variations can affect pronunciation and vocabulary but share a common grammatical structure. Understanding Štokavian is essential for grasping the linguistic diversity of the Balkans and the cultural identities of its people.